So, today, to hopefully help make people more aware about pet cancer, there's no mischief on the blog... instead, we've got some pet cancer detection tips and a little giveaway!
Several years ago, the hubs and I did a canine cancer walk to raise money for Morris Animal Foundation. At that event they said that ~25% of all dogs will get cancer.
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| Our familial unit back in 2011 at the MAF Canine Cancer Walk |
- Any new lumps on your pet's body - be sure to run your hands over your pet often, feeling for growths
- Don't forget to look for growths and abnormalities inside your pet's mouth!
- Big changes in your pet's: weight (again, running your hands over your pet often will help with this), appetite and/or activity level
- Unusually strong odors coming from your pet, or any discharge or blood from any body opening
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Persistent lameness or limping
A Giveaway - Just in Time for Christmas Shopping
My second novel, Rescue Me, Maybe - gold medal winner in the Readers' Favorites "Fiction-Animals" category and a USA Today bestseller - deals with the subject of canine cancer, so I thought it would be fitting to have a little giveaway. So, one lucky winner will receive a signed paperback.
You might be thinking, "egad, I don't want to read a book about canine cancer! Too sad!" While I admit there are some sad parts, the book is funny and ultimately happy and hopeful. (I promise - no sad endings ever in my books!) You don't have to take my word for it that it's funny - here's what The Prescott Dog magazine had to say: "Read this book... only if you like humorous, well-written stories that include loveable dogs and likeable humans." To enter, just is leave a comment below. (If you've already read the book, go ahead and enter - it makes a great Christmas gift for a dog-loving friend or family member!)
The giveaway is open to US only. (Sorry everyone else...) Be sure I know how to find you (if you're new to the blog, leave your email address AT domain DOT com in your comment so I can contact you!). The winner will be chosen on Sunday, Nov. 23 using Random.org, and announced on next week's Monday Mischief post.
Thanks to Snoopy’s Dog Blog, Alfie’s Blog, and My Brown Newfies for hosting Monday Mischief!
Cancer really stinks for any living creature, but as with everything in life cancer moves so much faster in us dogs. It is so important to stay on top of your dog's health, but as with humans, sometimes cancer sneaks its way in and there is nothing anyone can do.
ReplyDeleteCancer definitely is sneaky and doesn't play fair. Cancer sucks!
DeleteGood reminder to check inside the mouth. Our dog Shadow had bone cancer in her jaw. And it was discovered during a routine tooth cleaning.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter side, I run my hands all over Honey's body and every bump sends me into a panic: the point at the top of her skull, her ribs, that mat I missed combing out from her hind leg. Ten seconds of panic followed by a minute of laughing at my stupidity.
I didn't realize Shadow had bone cancer in her jaw. Awful. And, yeah, we get the panic every time Rita limps!
DeleteGreat reminders! I noticed Jeffie limp a bit yesterday. Though I'm hoping it was just from the dogs' hijinks in the snow, if he's still limping today we're headed to the vet.
ReplyDeleteNo limping Jeffie! Hopefully it's just the hijinks!
DeleteGood reminders. Storm had a growth removed from her gum a couple of years ago. It was benign, but it had me in a panic for a bit. When it was discovered, we headed straight to the vet!
ReplyDeleteOh, so glad it was benign. That's always time to panic - while waiting for the results! Our beagle had several lumps checked/removed over the years. Some were harmless little fatty lumps, but some were mast cell tumors. Not good!
DeleteGreat tips indeed, as we have to look and be off to the vet if anything is found
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of folks put off going to the vet - they don't want to know bad news and think ignorance is bliss, but it's better to know and take action!
DeleteGreat reminders, we hate the C word! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThe C word is the worst!
DeleteI agree there can never be enough awareness about canine cancer. Don't enter me, I have the book, read the book, and actually loan it out all the time. Love IT!!
ReplyDeleteThe more awareness the better! Thanks for the nice words about the book. :)
DeleteCancer is such a scary thing. I am constantly giving the fluffies a rub down (who doesn't love a puppy massage), but I really need to do a better job at checking their mouths. Osteosarcoma is the big one for giant breeds and one I'm regularly on the look out for.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's why we were so shocked when Abby had it - she was tall, but hardly a "giant" breed. But, yes, you definitely have to be vigilant. And puppy massage is good for all involved! :)
DeleteGreat cause! Cancer is such a horrible thing for anyone or anything to have to live with.
ReplyDeleteIt is the pits! Hopefully they will find a cure some day.
DeleteWe really thought cancer would have a cure by now for humans and animals. We have had several lumps removed during the regular teeth cleaning, but so far the wonderful word "benign" was always pronounced.
ReplyDeleteB9 is sweet music to the ears! I was listening to an interesting thing on the radio the other day w/ the head of... think it might have been the Mayo Clinic's top cancer guy. He said they are making good headway into how to keep cancer from spreading. He said it's usually the spread of it that kills, not the initial tumor (that's def'ly what happened to Abby). So, if they can figure out how to stop it spreading, cancer deaths should go way down.
DeleteWe just found a new lump on Wilson, so we are in the middle of a panic right now, waiting on results. It doesn't feel like a fatty lump so we are pretty nervous. Cancer sucks!
ReplyDeleteOh, sending good thoughts for Wilson!! It's hard not to panic. Doing the B9 chant for you!!
DeleteI poke and prod Mr. N regularly, usually when he's getting brushed. I know someone whose dog went to the groomer who found a lump... that turned out to be hard candy!
ReplyDeleteHard candy?! That is too funny!
DeleteI agree....the more awareness, the better! Thanks for the great tips too. I try to remember to watch out for all of those things, especially where our girls are older.
ReplyDeleteI know plenty of people who would enjoy your book, it would definitely make a great Christmas gift!
I need to remember myself to do it more often. I forget to check her mouth regularly.
DeleteGreat post for many who are not aware of the signs. I am a regular "feeler" when it comes to Harley. So scary....
ReplyDeleteIt is scary. Hate Cancer so much.
DeleteMy sister found a tumor on her senior Pug. It is cancer, but I'm not sure what all the options are. It is a difficult time for them, but it also helps us to remember to enjoy each moment that we can.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope there will be something they can do. I'll be sending good thoughts to them!
DeleteCancer isn't mischief, it's Mayhem! 4 of our 5 previous kitties have died from different types of cancer. It's so frustrating that there are often no obvious signs like sores or lumps and it's just weeks or months of "not doing well" and by that time the cancer is often too far progressed to have good treatment options. It's really nice that you did the K-9 cancer walk to help raise awareness.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true that sometimes you don't see any signs. We lost our first pup to cancer. There was a tumor on her heart, so we had no outward signs until it was too late. One day she was great and running around like a nut, the next day she was totally lethargic. We took her straight to the vet, but it was too late.
Delete"Rescue Me, Maybe" is one of my favorite books probably second only to "What the Dog Ate". Now that I know the inspiration it makes it that much more meaningful! I love both books!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Denise! You're so sweet!
DeleteCancer is so scary but its so important to catch it early Tubby had a cancerous low grade mast cell tumor four years ago and is fine today at nearly 14
ReplyDeleteretro rover
That's great! We caught some mast cell tumors early on our beagle as well. Unfortunately, she had a tumor on her heart that snuck up on us. 14 is a great age! Hope Tubby has many more years ahead!
DeleteI lost my 4-year-old terrier mix to cancer 5 years ago--and I still cry when I think about her. I am very vigilant and support the cause to help stop and treat it.
ReplyDeleteWags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.
I know, I can still cry so easily thinking about Abby. Sucks.
DeleteWe've only lost one of our many (11 cats and dogs!) to cancer but it was so fast and unexpected. We are diligent about stroking, poking and touching so we don't miss those lumps and bumps but sometimes they can surprise. Cancer sucks! Becky
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book- I loved "What the Dog Ate"! LyricInTime2803 (at) yahoo (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, I have this book and really need to sit down and read it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this. I have lost several dogs to cancer, one who has just turned six. It really sucked and changed me. But, that won't keep me from continuing to have dogs. They're the best!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, found it when I read "What the Dog Ate." Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your latest.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn rexmoy(at)gmail(dot)com
Great post, and I agree the more awareness the better!
ReplyDeleteLove & Biscuits,
Cathy, Isis & Phoebe,
www.dogsluvusandweluvthem.blogspot.com